Warplanes: July 25, 2001

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Sagem is developing a new high-speed recon drone known as HV. The drone is 4.2 meters long with a wingspan of 2.4 meters. The wings are swept forward to improve agility and fuel efficiency. The aircraft can fly for 12 hours at 400 knots at 33,000 feet. Its data links have a range of 400km but it could operate 600km from base in "silent mode". It would have two missile approach sensors to warn the aircraft to take evasive action. Payload is 50kg (110 pounds) and could be an  electro-optical/infrared sensor, synthetic aperture radar, or laser targeting designator.--Stephen V Cole